Is pain universal? In modern biological science, pain is often presented as a universally consistent sensory process; a perception dependant on the body’s nociceptors which acts, positively, as a warning against harmful or noxious stimuli. As one commentator put it, ‘all pains are created equal’. However, an increasing amount of work in history, anthropology, cultural studies has pointed to the extreme diversity of pain experience both within specific cultures and across different societies. This dichotomy between biological and cultural approaches raises some fascinating and important questions for the study of pain in antiquity. This conference brings together world-leading experts from various fields to investigate the ways in which pain was understood in different cultural contexts from across the ancient world. We investigate how different areas of ancient society imagined, problematised, communicated, and treated pain perception. What (if any) connections exist between these different ways of approaching and understanding the perception? In setting out some of these aspects of the ancient physical experience of pain, we hope to further investigate the potential connections (and disconnections) between pain experience in the modern and ancient worlds? Are there points of intersection that suggest pain is universal? Are there ways in which the ancient treatment of pain can inform the understanding of, and approach to, pain in a modern context?

Booking Details

Attendance is free, but requires booking to ensure catering. Bookings can be made by contacting Daniel King (d.king@exeter.ac.uk) by email.

Booking Deadline: Friday 9 March.

Please indicate in your email whether or not you wish to attend the whole meeting, or just specific days/sessions.

During the conference there will be two evening meals arranged at local restaurants in Exeter. Please indicate if you wish to join us for dinner (and whether or not you have any dietary requirements).